Barcelona had to rely on Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Claudio Bravo, three of their summer signings, on Saturday to beat Granada and make sure they kept pace with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. The trio provided further proof that the club's former Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta got something right in preseason, despite being sacked by the club in January.

Three points were just what the doctor ordered for Barcelona at Granada, and although the 3-1 win was hard fought, certain players...

GRANADA, Spain -- Three quick thoughts from Barcelona's 3-1 win over Granada in La Liga at the Nuevo Los Carmenes on Saturday.

1. Barcelona tough it out

Barcelona were far from their fluid best here, but goals from Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi were enough to get three valuable points, with Granada's reply coming from a second-half Javi Marquez penalty.

Barca had warning of how difficult it can be coming to the Nuevo Los Carmenes, where Granada were unbeaten in six games since...

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has suggested he may rest Luis Suarez for Wednesday's Copa del Rey semifinal second leg at Villarreal, while waving away any concerns the striker might be upset with that decision.

Barca take a 3-1 advantage into the return game at El Madrigal, with Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique having scored in the first leg at Camp Nou.

The Blaugrana have no new injury concerns ahead of Wednesday's game but there is a decision to make over regular starters Suarez and...